B-cell receptor recognizing Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide (BCR-NmCPS)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) recognizing Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharides are specialized surface immunoglobulins on B lymphocytes that identify the carbohydrate-based protective outer layer of the meningococcus bacterium. These receptors are essential for the initiation of the humoral immune response against invasive meningococcal disease, particularly for serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Upon binding to the capsular antigen, the BCR undergoes conformational changes that initiate intracellular signaling, leading to the production of bactericidal antibodies that facilitate opsonophagocytosis and complement-mediated killing of the pathogen (Pollard et al., 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). In the context of vaccinology, these receptors are the primary targets for conjugate vaccines, which utilize the polysaccharide-BCR interaction to stimulate long-lasting immunological memory by recruiting T-cell help (Finn, 2004, Journal of Cell Science). While these BCRs are highly effective targets for most serogroups, the serogroup B capsule is generally avoided as a target because its alpha-2,8-linked polysialic acid structure mimics human neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM), presenting a risk of autoimmunity and resulting in poor immunogenicity (Finne et al., 1983, The Lancet).

Other names

Meningococcal polysaccharide-specific B-cell receptorAnti-capsular B-cell receptorNeisseria meningitidis capsular antigen receptor

Vaccine-derived capsular polysaccharides bind to specific B-cell receptors, triggering signal transduction that leads to B-cell differentiation into plasma cells and the production of protective IgG and IgM antibodies.